Quote from: Pat Coleman on November 14, 2017, 07:19:52 PM
How many of them are playing teams outside of New England in non-conference games. No doubt there are a few, but there aren't many.

This year OOC....

Framingham played Cortland
Bridgewater State played Buffalo State
Western Connecticut played Hartwick
Norwhich played Morrisville, St. Lawerance
Springfield played Kean
Coast Guard played Union
WPI played RPI
Becker played Rochester
WNEC played St. Lawerence and RPI
Salve played Monclair
Endicott played Hobart
Curry played Union
Husson played Union
Galladuet played Shenandoah

Just to name a few, but there are more.

I think Plymouth State will put up a solid fight against Brockport. They have a very good defense and if they can create some turnovers and control the time of possession they have the ability to make it interesting. It is too bad Framingham is left out of the playoffs, I think if Wojenski was healthy the entire season they go undefeated and would have had an opportunity to get a playoff win in the east. I am rooting for Plymouth to knock Brockport and gain some respect for the MASCAC! Unlike Framingham, Plymouth does not have a ton of experience playing top tier OOC opponents. It will be interesting to see if the lights are too bright for them and how they respond to playing on the road in a playoff environment!

I agree it's not likely that Framingham would receive an at large bid, even if they end up going 9-1, but maybe they should be considered?

It will definitely help their odds if Cortland finishes towards the top of the E8, which they are 3-1 in right now (4-2 overall), but it hurts them that Endicott is struggling at 1-5 in the newly developed commonwealth coast league. In 2012 when Bridgewater State received an at large bid, OOC they had beat Springfield who was 8-3 in the Liberty League and Endicott who was 9-2 in the NEFC, with their sole loss being to then league champs Framingham State (16-0) who lost to Endicott early that season. I think in order for someone to receive a at large bid in the MASCAC you would have to have beat two non-conference championship contenders in higher ranked leagues to have a high enough SOS to be considered.

This topic makes me think about the comparison between the Empire Eight and the MASCAC. Which also makes me think that if FSU does go 9-1 that maybe they should be considered for an At Large bid. In 2016 on D3football.com the E8 was ranked 3rd in conference rankings and the MASCAC 23rd. Below I will list the most recent MASCAC vs. E8 matchups and you tell me if you think there is that much of a discrepancy between the two? Is the MASCAC better than they get credit for? Or is the E8 down or overrated as of late?

Framingham St.(5-1) Vs. Cortland(4-2)- Framingham -29-14
Western Connecticut(5-1) Vs. Hartwick(3-4)- Western Connecticut- 48-47
BSU(2-5) vs. Buffalo State (4-2) - Buff State- 20-19
BSU (8-2)vs. Alfred(10-0) in 2016 Playoffs- Alfred 33-27 OT

What a weekend for the MASCAC!

Plymouth State is BACK! Huge win against Framingham on Saturday. Framingham now has only a slim chance to win the conference and advance to the playoffs. If West Conn can win out they will be the AQ but they still have to get past Bridgewater, Fitchburg, and Framingham. Plymouth State has a much easier schedule left as they have already played West Conn, BSU, and Framingham. IMO i think it is now Plymouth's Championship to lose. West Conn is on the road at BSU for homecoming this week and then on the road against Framingham in November. I'm not sure they are consistent enough to win all four of their remaining games. The MASCAC is very interesting this year and it seems that anyone can beat anyone. Things are really heating up and I am looking forward to the BSU v. West Conn game on Saturday! Any chance BSU knocks off West Conn this week? (McLaughlin and Garrett both left the game w/ injuries and did not return against UMD friday night)

Hats off to Plymouth who have managed to completely turn their program around in only 2 years. It has been a while since the MASCAC has had 3 horses left in the race this late in the season, looking forward to seeing how it plays out, and how a team other than Framingham or Bridgewater can perform in post season play?

Power Rankings and Predictions coming later this week...

Not bad Teddy, not bad.... Seems like your secret recipe for success this year is picking against BSU every week, which has worked out well for you this season! Maybe Teddy has some inside information we aren't aware of... or maybe he is a Framingham Alum... but regardless I think we all thought BSU would be on the other side of some of these wins.

BSU vs. UMD- BSU (27-24)BSU FINALLY puts together 4 quarters of football and squeaks out a win against a physical UMD team. They have burned me all season, I'm hoping things are different this week.

Framingham vs. Plymouth- FSU 28-21 "Teddys Hot take" game of the week. I think this will be a tough matchup for FSU due to Plymouth matching up physically. IF Plymouth can slow down the running game of FSU and make them become pass first then i think they have a slight chance to upset them. 

Fitchburg St. vs. Westfield- Fitchburg 28-14- Fitchburg continues their up and down season with a strong win against Westfield (who is continuing to improve).

West Conn vs. MMA- West Conn 38-20- West Conn rolls and continues to tune up and prepare for the MASCAC title game vs Framingham coming up in a few weeks. This game is my lock of the week.

MASCACmans Week 6 Predictions

Framingham St. vs. Fitchburg State: (Framingham 38-21)  I think Framingham's defense will be too much for Valero and Co. of Fitchburg. Look for Framingham to create some turnovers and pound the ball to a victory. I think this year more then ever they are a lock to win the MASCAC, pencil them in for a home playoff game.

Umass Dartmouth vs. Curry: (Curry 31-21) I think UMD's defense is strong, but still not sure if they have enough offense to consistently win games. I think it will be close but I am going with Curry, currently ranked #7 in New England.

Bridgewater St. vs. Plymouth State: (BSU 28-24) BSU is 5 games in and may be starting to find some type of identity on offense, expect to see a lot of Mclaughlin and Garrett in the backfield (at QB and RB) as the bears will try and grind out a win on the ground vs. a physical Plymouth team. All signs point to Plymouth winning this game at home, but I think the bears see this as a season defining game, and will squeak by Plymouth to build up some momentum to try and save their season. This is my MASCAC game of the week.

Mass Maritime vs. Westfield: (Mass Maritime 28-13) Westfield has struggled heavily on offense, and their pass game is almost non exsistent. I think MMA has a little bit more firepower on O and that will be enough to cruise to a victory. This game is my lock of the week.

West Conn vs. Worcester: (West Conn 35-28) This is another intriguing match up, look for both offenses to bounce back after low scoring games in poor weather last weekend. I think this game will be close, but i think Quinn Fleeting will be the X factor and improve on last weeks performance. I agree with Teddywestside that WCSU doesn't always respond well to loses, but I think this year may be different than the last few, seeing as they still will be crowned MASCAC champs if they win out.

Lets hear some other predictions!  Shout out to Teddy, D3MAFAN, MASCACALUM, and Boxer for keeping this board alive!

I think what sets Framingham aside this year from Framingham teams of the past is they are so balanced this year in ALL 3 phases of the game. They have no real weaknesses on offense or defense and their special teams are really good, best that I can remember seeing. Their Kicker/Punter is a game changer and can swing the field and help them with field position. He also has the ability to knock down 40+ yard field goals which is helpful at this level especially once you get into the playoffs. They have a tough matchup @ Plymouth state in a few weeks and then Home vs. West Conn the second to last game of the season. Does anyone think this Framingham team will be the one that finally wins a 1st round matchup in the NCAA's? Or is it too early to grant them the crown in the MASCAC for this year?

Quote from: D3MAFAN on September 26, 2017, 11:02:22 AM

Quote from: TeddyWestside1642 on September 26, 2017, 10:48:04 AM
TeddyWestside's Week 5 predictions

14-3 overall so far...

Westfield State vs. Bridgewater State-  I know I said last week there was no way I could see BSU go 0-4...I was wrong but I'll say it again there is no way BSU will go 0-5. My pick for this game is BRIDGEWATER STATE.

Plymouth State vs. Worcester State- Worcester has caught fire as of late but Plymouth is a different beast their hard nosed football will slow down Worcester's attack. My pick for this game is PLYMOUTH STATE. (MASCACMAN this game could possibly be one of the upsets this week...)

Fitchburg State vs. Mass Maritime- After last weeks win vs BSU I see Fitchburg keeping it rolling vs. MMA. My pick for this game is FITCHBURG STATE.

Western Connecticut vs. Umass Dartmouth- West Conn's play is too good right now and they're firing on all cylinders. I think it'll be a physical game with only one outcome. My pick for this game is WEST CONN.

Good luck to all the teams playing this week!

Anyone have any other predictions??

At this point, I won't say I feel bad for them. However, it can be somewhat detrimental to the Senior who had high expectations and sometimes the when it rains it pours and you can either fight for an above .500 or look towards next season and get the young guys experience.

I think BSU's Running back Duo of Senior's Alex McLaughlin and Malik Garrett will carry them to a victory this weekend. They are two of the best skilled players in the conference and can win them a few more games this year, although I do think they will struggle against West Conn and Plymouth if the youth of the team doesn't grow up fast. BSU is a big crossroads right now in their season, we will see if they have the will to fight or if they begin looking towards next year.

Week 5 Predictions

BSU vs. Westfield- BSU gets their first win in dominating fashion on Swenson field (27-7)

Plymouth State vs. Worcester State- Plymouth State continues to roll and slows down Worcesters high powered passing attack enough to seal a W (35-20)

Fitchburg State vs. Mass Maritime- Fitchburg continues to improve on both sides of the ball, Mass will fight early but Fitchburg pulls away (31-21)

West Conn vs. UMD- West Conn's Offense will be too much for UMD to handle (35-14)

Seems to be a pretty straight forward week, does anyone predict any upsets?
I could possibly see UMD upsetting West Conn if they find a way to score some points and come up with a strong defense gameplan to confuse Fleeting, but thats not likely.

MASCAC Mans Power Rankings through week 4

1. Framingham- The only way they don't go undefeated is if somehow West Conn or Plymouth can find a way to slow down their high powered rushing attack and force them to pass. Also the return of starting QB Wojenski will play a huge role in determining the outcome of their season

2. West Conn- Right now West Conn's QB Quinn Fleeting is on fire and an early season contender for MASCAC MVP, the only thing that worries me is West Conn's ability to stop teams, if they can slow down Framingham they may have a shot at their first MASCAC title

3. Plymouth State- Plymouth is a solid, hard nosed team on both sides of the ball. Look for them to continue to improve and be a challenge for every team that they step on the field against each week

4. Worcester State- Off to a very strong start with wins against Fitchburg and Westfield, high powered offense and one of the big surprises so far in the MASCAC. I have a feeling they will level off towards the bottom half as they start to play a tougher schedule but as of right now they have earned this spot.

5. Fitchburg State- They knocked off the reigning MASCAC champs last week and have done a good job putting up points all season. Look for them to be a threat to upset someone each week, but at the same time have the ability to lay an egg. I think they will finish middle of the pack due to inconsistency and youth.

6. Bridgewater State- They are better than their record shows, but not as good as people predicted them to be. They have lost the four games by a total of 10 points but have issues on both sides of the ball, look for this year to be a rebuilding year for BSU, I predict 5-5 at best.

7. UMD- Inconsistent on the offensive side of the ball, but extremely physical on defense. They will fly around and have the ability to upset teams only if their offense can put something together, they are young on that side of the ball.

8. Mass Maritime- Struggled heavily against Framingham in the Kelley Cup, but have shown more ability to score than Westfield so far this year.

9. Westfield- will struggle to win a game this year, they seem to be the bottom feeder of the MASCAC for 2017

Would love to see some predictions for this weeks MASCAC Games!

Quote from: Bombers798891 on September 08, 2017, 10:30:45 AM

Quote from: d3fan142511 on September 08, 2017, 10:08:52 AM
Week 2 Picks:

Framingham 24 Cortland 21

This score (not necessarily the result) seems way low given that Cortland hung 49 and 61 on them the past two years and the fact that Cortland has a healthy Ferreira at QB. The Red Dragons averaged 30 PPG last season despite going through roughly 354 quarterbacks, and put up 34 last week, with Ferreira throwing 4 TDs and 0 picks. And Cortland's defense, which allowed 28 PPG last season, gave up 32 of their own last week. I'd expect a shootout

I have to agree with Bombers, if you look at the scores the last couple of years Cortland has put up a ton of points on FSU. Framingham does have 3 returning starters in the secondary and the defense looked strong against Endicott but I think the speed of Cortlands receivers coupled with the fact that Ferreira is a stronger QB than they faced in week 1 gives them the edge. I would love to see Fram win this one but I think the only way that happens is if they find a way to create turnovers in the pass game and play great redzone defense. I think they will give up a lot of yards but if they can tighten up in the redzone and hold them to Field goals instead of touchdowns they might have enough offense to pull it off. Im sticking to my 38-28 prediction, but rooting for the RAMS to prove me wrong here.

MASCAC Man's Bold Predictions for Week 2

Framingham vs. Cortland- Cortland 38-28
Framingham has played a very tough non-league schedule in the past, and they have came very close to beating Rowan, Ithaca, and Cortland, but have yet to get over the hump against a championship contender in a top conference. Maybe Adam Wojenski and Quron Wright will be the duo that finally get it done?

Bridgewater vs. Endicott- BSU 34-21
Look for Bridgewater to bounce back strong against Endicott in the home opener. They will have some of the opening game issues worked out and flying on all cylinders against the gulls. If McLaughlin and the 2 QB system can gash them early, Endicott may be playing catch up most of the game.

Plymouth State vs. Mount Ida- Plymouth State 28-14
Plymouth state will continue with the strong start against Mount Ida, I don't think Ida will have enough offense to keep up with Edwards and Co.

Fitchburg State vs. Castleton- Fitchburg- 31- 20
Look for Valerio to hit his stride in only his second start for the Falcons, His debut was impressive going 17-23 for 266 yds and a Touchdown. Brown-Simpson also had a strong performance against Curry.

Westfield State vs. Western New England- Western New England 41-14
This will be a bounce back game for WNEC, unfortunately for Westfield they may be the victims of it. After being ranked 24th in the nation, WNEC certainly will have something to prove this weekend.

Worcester State vs. Becker- Worcester State 31-20
Becker struggled putting points on the board week 1, I think that will continue in week 2. They are relying heavily on QB Sinkfield-Shelton to provide offense for Becker, Worcester will be able to key on that and outscore them enough to seal a W.

Mass Maritime vs. Maritime (N.Y.)- Maritime (N.Y) 38-31
Maritime (N.Y) won in dominating fashion 58-0 last week against Maine Maritime, but now have to travel to Clear Harbor for the Chowder Bowl. I am giving Maritime (N.Y) the nod in this one in a close fought battle.

Western Connecticut (BYE)

Would love to see some other predictions. Do you agree? Disagree? Let's get this board going!

Not a great opening week for the MASCAC, with that being said there were a lot of close matchups that could have gone either way. BSU outplayed Buff State but let them back into the game with penalties and a blown coverage on 3rd down late in the game.  Fitchburg, UMD, Worcester St, and Wesfield all had close games. Hopefully a better showing this week!

These are my power rankings after week 1:
1. Framingham State (1-0) they put a beat down on a quality opponent in Endicott and seem to be right back in the driver seat. They will have their first real test next week Vs. Cortland (1-0) of the E8
2. Western Connecticut (1-0) Had a shoot out vs. Hartwick, Fleeting proves to be a playmaker for WCSU, questions still rise about the defensive side of the ball, if they can clean it up look for them to push Fram and BSU for the MASCAC title
3. Bridgewater State (0-1) Held up physically and athletically against a quality empire eight opponent, we will see how they match up this week against Endicott before huge MASCAC implications vs. Framingham week 3. 
4. Plymouth State (1-0) Plymouth hasn't shown any signs of a setback after last years improvement, keep an eye on them to be a MASCAC darkhorse this year
5. Fitchburg State (0-1) Tough loss vs. Curry who always seems to deliver their best punch on opening night at Katz field
6. Umass Dartmouth (0-1) Defensive battle against Mount Ida. UMD is always physical in the trenches but replacing all conference playmakers like Sheridan and Burnham on offense will be challenging
7. Mass Maritime (0-0) still waiting in the starting blocks, with the chowder bowl looming this weekend
8. Worcester State (0-1) close game against Salve, similar to last year. Look for them to continue to put up points and stop nobody in typical Worcester fashion
9. Westfield State (0-1) Lost to Nichols.